Second round of funding launched for Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

OTTAWA—Infrastructure Canada and Community Foundations of Canada recently announced two new projects under the first round of funding of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative and also launched a second round of funding.

The projects are part of the over 250 projects receiving federal funding in the first round. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society will receive $24,000 for a project to help build a 30-kilometre trail linking Grande Chute on the Dumoine River to the Ottawa River. The Hope Blooms project will create a playground and accessible seating area in Murray Warrington Park with the $40,000 it gets from the initiative.

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment to build safer spaces and ensure a higher quality of life for people across the country by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19, a release indicates.

Applicants can now apply for the second round of funding for eligible projects ranging from $5,000 to $250,000.

Local governments and community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including charities, Indigenous communities and registered non-profit organizations.

“The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is broadening our understanding of what infrastructure truly is and can be: better and more equitable ways for people to connect, problem-solve and create community-led places for everyone,” said Mary Rowe, president and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute, in a statement.

“The incredible response to the program from across Canada demonstrates how willing Canadians are to partner and work together for the benefit of their communities. Round two presents another opportunity for organizations to submit projects that will help communities emerge from the pandemic more resilient, more accessible and more vibrant.”

To submit an application, learn more about the program and how to apply or attend an information session visit healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca. The application period will close on June 25 at 5 p.m. PST.